Events

  Christ before Jesus Matthew Britt and Jaaron Wingo   Using computer based stylometric analysis on the new testament books and comparing them to Greek texts from 100 BCE - 300 CE produces some most intriguing results suggesting : The Gospel of Luke was written after 144 CE (not 85 CE, as many scholars claim). The identity of the author of Luke/Acts is narrowed down to two people. Virtually no text of the New Testament was written before the second century. Paul most probably never existed. Matthew Britt and Jaaron Wingo are co-authors of the recently released  book "Christ Before Jesus" .    This will be a hybrid meeting on Zoom.  Meeting ID: 856 6301 7127  Passcode: 019219  or https://us06web.zoom.us/j/85663017127?pwd=dk00NEhWUGxRK085VHBGS3E3K1VjZz09   ...

Sunday 7th April 6.30pm Finding Meaning in a Meaningless Universe Dr. Louie Savva   Modern science can get very close to the beginning of the universe but our theories break down just before the beginning happens. This is because our theories of the very big and the very small, have not yet been unified. One day, it is very possible that this will be accomplished. Until then we must accept that there was a beginning; something which not only seems reasonable, but the evidence for which still remains today. The question is, did this have any meaning or purpose and how does this relate to the work of a non religious hospital chaplain?   Dr Louie Savva is a hospital chaplain with the NHS University Hospitals of Leicester, working from a non-religious/existential perspective. He has a PhD in Psychology.   ...

Geoff Hall    The Plant Atlas 2020 is a huge survey of plants in the UK. In this talk Geoff will summarise the work done for the Atlas and give its main conclusions. He will then show what is happening on a national scale as well as locally in Leicestershire & Rutland. All welcome - admission free . Tea & biscuits. Donations welcome.    

Sunday 17th March 6.30pm Ride On Sistas Sarah Jasat    Ride on Sistas is a Leicester based community cycling group. It is fuelled by a love of cycling (and sometimes cake) that traverses upbringings and culture. Find out about the work they do and how it connects with other cycling and green initiatives in the city.    All welcome - admission free . Tea & biscuits. Donations welcome.

Discover the historic connection between Japan  and Portugal through the court music of King  João V with pianist Mariko Terashi & violinist Tamaki Higashi     Memorial concert for Michael Gerard     Narrated by Caroline Moles and Michael Tully   Discover the historic connection between Japan and Portugal through the court music of King João V .   Mariko Terashi is joined by Japanese born violinist Tamaki Higashi. The programme of classical music comes from the time of King  João V of Portugal. It includes work by Carlos de Seixas, Pedro Lopes Nogueira, Domenico Scarlatti, Jaime de la Té y Sagau.    After releasing her last CD Seixas, Rameau, Couperin, Mariko found the idea of recreating the Royal Chapel in Lisbon during the reign of  King João V . the most powerful king. Nowadays we don’t find much information as the earth...

Celebrating International Women's Week Megan Manson   Around the world, religious misogyny underpins policies restricting women's access to education, political participation and wider society. It entrenches sexist notions about 'modesty' and women's bodies. It enables male domination over women and violence against women and girls, including female genital mutilation, forced marriage and honour-based abuse. Such problems exist in communities in the UK, often enabled by authorities' deference to religious leaders. Even the established church retains sexist policies. Sensitivities around criticising religion often lead to this important factor of women's inequality being ignored and waved aside. Megan Manson is Head of Campaigns at the National Secular Society.    All welcome - adm...

Ned Newitt This talk will trace the history of the Poor Law in Leicester from the 1830s to the unemployed demonstrations of 1921. It looks at the prevailing social attitudes of the time and the regime in Leicester’s workhouse. The riotous scenes that happened in 1921 were just one of the many skirmishes that ultimately paved the way for the Welfare State   Ned was born in Southend-on-Sea in 1946. He studied at Cardiff College of Art and came to Leicester in 1971. From 1984-2003, he was a Leicester City Councillor. He is a long standing member of the Society and is the current Chair.   Ned has written several books, most relating to the history of Leicester, including -   The Secular Hall - A History ...